Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB vs Highland Ridge Colt 17DB
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Both 17-class Travel Trailer options weigh nearly identical and sleep similar numbers, but the Highland Ridge Colt 17DB loads on content. The Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB measures 21.4 ft and 3,250 lbs dry with a 4,400 lb GVWR, 472-lb tongue, and 21 gal fresh tank, sleeping six in a bunkhouse-style layout at $19,900. The Colt 17DB runs 22.42 ft and 3,275 lbs dry with a 3,700 lb GVWR, 390-lb tongue, 200W solar, 50-amp shore, king bed, theater seating, fireplace, four-season build, and off-road package at $18,143.
The Colt 17DB delivers an exceptional content stack at $1,757 less than the Aspen Trail Mini 17QB. King bed, fireplace, and four-season certification turn this into a year-capable couples trailer; the Aspen Trail Mini 17QB sleeps two more (six vs eight) via its bunkhouse layout.
Verdict: pick the Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB for kid-heavy families who need eight sleep spots in 21 ft; pick the Highland Ridge Colt 17DB for couples who want fully loaded content at a lower price.
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB | Highland Ridge Colt 17DB | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $19,900 | $18,143 |
| Length | 21'5" | 22'5" |
| Dry weight | 3,250 lbs | 3,275 lbs |
| GVWR | 4,400 lbs | 4,200 lbs |
| Sleeps | 6 | 8 |
| Slides | — | — |
| Fresh tank | 21 gal | 30 gal |
| Grey tank | 34 gal | 39 gal |
| Black tank | 34 gal | 39 gal |
| LP | — | — |
| Solar | — | 200W |
| Inverter | — | — |
| Generator | — | — |
| Bath | — | — |
| Bed | — | king |
| 4-season | No | Yes |
| Off-road | No | Yes |
| Outdoor kitchen | No | No |
| Washer/dryer | none | none |
| Residential fridge | No | No |
Where Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB wins
- 1.02 ft shorter (21.4 vs 22.42 ft) for tighter sites
- 700 lb higher GVWR (4,400 vs 3,700 lbs) for cargo
- Bunkhouse layout supports more kids
- 9 gal more black tank for self-contained stays
- Dutchmen dealer network for warranty access
Where Highland Ridge Colt 17DB wins
- $1,757 lower MSRP ($18,143 vs $19,900)
- 82-lb lighter tongue weight (390 vs 472 lbs)
- 200W solar standard (Aspen Trail Mini 17QB: none)
- King bed, fireplace, theater seating, four-season
- 50-amp shore + off-road package included
Pick the Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB if…
Families with three or four kids who need eight sleep spots in a 21-ft trailer. The Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB delivers six sleep capacity (spec says six, layout supports more with kids on the floor) at 3,250 lbs dry, towable by any 4,500 lb-rated SUV or pickup at $19,900. The 4,400 lb GVWR provides cargo headroom the lighter-GVWR Colt 17DB lacks. Best for summer-only families who travel with multiple kids and don't need solar or four-season insulation.
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 17DB if…
Couples or families of three who want a fully equipped 17-class trailer at the lowest price. The Highland Ridge Colt 17DB ships at $18,143 with 200W solar, 50-amp shore, king bed, fireplace, theater seating, four-season build, and off-road package — content that would cost $5K+ in aftermarket adds on the Aspen Trail Mini 17QB. The 390-lb tongue weight tows behind any midsize SUV. Best for shoulder-season campers and dispersed boondockers.
Frequently asked
Can the Colt 17DB really fit a king bed?
In a 22-ft trailer, the 'king' is a short king (76 in vs full 80 in) and may be wall-to-wall, limiting walkaround access. Verify dimensions before assuming it equals a residential king.
How does the Aspen Trail Mini 17QB sleep six?
Bunkhouse layout plus convertible dinette and possibly a Murphy-style fold-down. Realistic comfort is four adults plus two small children.
Is four-season build in the Colt 17DB real?
Highland Ridge specs four-season with insulated/heated tanks. Real cold-weather performance depends on LP capacity (unspecified). Verify with the dealer before sub-freezing trips.